Danbury Hospital Offers Smoking Cessation Classes

DANBURY — Nicotine is an addictive drug, and when smoke is inhaled from cigarette smoking, it reaches the brain faster than drugs that enter the body intravenously. That is the beginning of the physical addiction to nicotine, but what makes quitting even harder for some people is the social activities that goes along with smoking that makes it an extremely difficult habit to break.

Danbury Hospital understands how hard it is to kick the habit, and is offering to help smokers become smoke free. A comprehensive smoking cessation program called, “Quit Now” will conduct six-week classes beginning Tuesday, May 11, at Danbury Hospital.

“Nicotine addiction requires a strategic approach to quitting that combats the problem from several fronts,” said Marianne Mitchell, an advanced practice registered nurse and “Quit Now” instructor. “We all know the dangers of smoking, but sometimes it requires the support of others to stop.”

“Quit Now” uses a combination of medication therapy, behavior modification, and ongoing support services to help more people quit smoking. It also provides consultation/assessment, counseling, treatment planning, group programs, and a support group, according to Ms Mitchell.

“Smoking-related diseases claim an estimated 430,700 American lives each year. Smoking costs the United States approximately $97.2 billion each year in health care costs and lost productivity. It is directly responsible for 87 percent of lung cancer cases and causes most cases of emphysema and chronic bronchitis, according to the American Lung Association.”

Meeting for six consecutive Tuesdays, from 6 to 7 pm in the Praxair Cancer Center Conference Room at Danbury Hospital, “Quit Now” covers the basics of nicotine addiction, methods for quitting and behavior modification, exercise and nutrition, stress management, and relaxation techniques and relapse prevention.

“Stay Quit” is a monthly support group that meets at Danbury Hospital for graduates of Quit Now. The group helps with relapse prevention by providing ongoing support.

Cost of the “Quit Now” program is $150. For more information, or to register, call 731-8732. Arrangements also can be made for work-site programs at area corporations or individual sessions.